5th Month Blog

Class: IV Social Studies
Topic : Compass
Tool Used: Camtasia

Directions are necessary for one to reach its destination. It is essential for one to know and understand the usage of compass in order to know the directions as to where one is heading. Learning can be a tricky and fascinating process especially when children are growing up. My simulation will help students of fourth standard to understand the usage of compass and directions under the subject 'Social Studies'. With the help of my simulation which I will be presenting in the beginning of the class, children will be able to understand the importance of a compass and directions. Furthermore, it will also enhance their sense of direction and help them explain in their own words. My simulation will not only help them understand about the usage of a compass but also help them make a compass using simple materials at home.

 Procedure

To make this Camtasia video I had to first download the Camtasia app on my computer. I also had my videos for the Camtasia and PowerPoint ready. Then I put my PowerPoints and videos on show and recorded the screen  using the  app. After saving several takes i combined, clipped unwanted parts, added voice and animations on my video to make it attractive.

To give better understanding, knowledge and to give better visualization to the children, my simulation will first show them how people used the sun to indicate directions during the pre modernization. It will be fascinating and captivating for the children to watch the simulation. My simulation will then proceed and show them how they will be able to find the direction with the help of a compass. In my simulation, I have added pictures of a compass and videos as to how one can use it. It will help them visualize it after watching and they will be able to make one after reaching home. 

Instructions

This Camtasia video can be used through out the lesson. To introduce the lesson, to teach the concept of compass or the lesson input, to check understanding since I also have an activity inserted in the video. This video can literally be used throughout or in all stages of a lesson.

Teaching while demonstrating the concept will help my students stay focused and fascinated. My simulation includes short video clips as to how one can make a simple magnet and a compass which I think is interesting, captivating and something new to learn about. Learning new things has always been interesting and motivating for the children who are growing up. So, my simulation will certainly bring out the best in them and help them in the near future.

 

                                                                         video

4th Month Blog

Class: IV Science
Topic: Water Cycle
Tool used : PowerPoint Simulation

Integrating ICT in teaching and learning makes learning more effective than teaching in a traditional method. I have chosen water cycle as a topic from class IV science to create PowerPoint as a constructive tool. To make my simulation better and effective for teaching and learning I used features that are relevant for my topic. Integrating ICT in teaching and learning will make students enthusiastic in learning and students will understand more on the particular topic. Being a future teacher, we should know how to integrate  ICT in our teaching to help students learn better.

To make my simulation effective and more interesting for teaching and learning I used animation, GIFs, images, related backgrounds and texts. Firstly I downloaded images, GIFs for water cycle. To search GIFs images in Google I used- (example: water cycle gifs, rain gifs, evaporation gifs, etc.) To search sounds for the images and GIFs in Google I used- (rain.wav, river.wav, etc.) Then I arranged images and GIFs in sequence on the PowerPoint.

Procedure

I have created PowerPoint simulation on topic water cycle from class IV science. I used single slide for creation of simulation. I inserted an attractive background for my topic and inserted images, GIFs and texts accordingly. After I inserted the images, GIFs and text, I added animation to make simulation effective and attractive. Then I adjusted start button and selected “with previous” button for the whole animation and edited delay and duration button as required while presenting by using animation pane toolbar. Then I inserted background music for my simulation to make it soothing while learners are learning about the water cycle. To insert the background music, first I downloaded the video from YouTube and converted it into music using (ys1t) link in the Google and inserted into PowerPoint. After that I adjusted my music to play from beginning till end of the slide button and select low volume to control the sound from being distractive while learners are learning about the topic. Then I select hide button from the toolbar to hide the music button while watching the simulation. Lastly, I did voice narration for my PowerPoint simulation to make learners understand more about the topic.

Instruction

This learning material I created can be used to teach the main content or during lesson input. This PowerPoint will be used after the lesson topic introduction and while teaching the lesson content. Showing this PowerPoint simulation can help break monotonous classes and learning becomes lively.

3rd Month Blog

Class: IV Social Studies

Topic: Rivers

Tool Used: Google Classroom

ICT integration in teaching and learning plays a pivotal role in this 21st century education. Google classroom plays a vital role during pandemic where all are working from home. Google classroom has many advantages for teaching and learning. Integrating digital tools in Google classroom will enhance the students learning through a new medium. Through Google classroom we can teach different subjects during the pandemic where we cannot conduct face to face interaction or teaching. I created Google classroom as constructive tools for teaching and learning for the students. Google classroom is easy to use and accessible from all devices, effective communication and sharing, speeds up the assignment process, effective feedback, clean and user-friendly interface and great commenting system. 

Procedure 

To create Google classroom I opened one of my Gmail accounts and created the Clicked on the Google class room from the google apps. Then a dialogue box will appear where I type class name, section, subject, room. After creating classroom I wrote announcement to make students aware of what they are supposed to do for that session. I wrote about the semester plans and inserted a video outlining the instructions. After that I invited my students and co teacher for my Google classroom. To invite a co teacher and to add my students I had to type in their email ID and they had to join the class to be able to see the materials and assignments I had uploaded on google class.

This class can be used to teach multiple chapters, topics or session since it can be used for multiple purposes. In this class I have uploaded a chapter (Rivers, Class: IV) containing  three sub topics. Each sub topic has a video lesson a link, a pdf file reading material and a short task under each topic. I have also assigned a major assignment where students are required to refer materials from all the subtopics and complete the assignment. 

Instructions 

The class I created can be used to introduce the lesson, used to teach the contend, test students understanding, follow up lessons and provide tasks for students which I found very convenient and effective. It can be used for multiple purposes to teach young children without boring the students in your every day session. 

Link for Google classroom:                                                                                           https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MzEyODQ5MjYxMTcw

 

 

 

2nd Month blog

 Class: IV Science
Topic: Green Plants 
Tool used: PPT (simulation)

With the advancement of technologies around the world, people are using various kinds of technologies related to their field for better results, and to save time which can be utilized efficiently for other purposes. Similarly, education system around the world have adopted ‘ICT’ to pass on the knowledge and to make the teaching environment better, efficient, less time consuming and productive. It not only saves time, makes it convenient for teachers but also engages the students to take part in learning without losing focus. Furthermore, it encourages Bhutanese students to make use of technologies which clearly have been lacked behind in the past. To keep my students engaged, focused and fascinated, I have created a simulation on PPT to explain the significance of sunlight, water and air for the growth of green plants.

Basically, the process is called 'Photosynthesis' and the method it was used by our teachers in the past was certainly boring and hard for the students to keep their mind focused and engaged.  By displaying my simulation, it will instantly capture student’s attention and keep them engaged with my teaching. It is evident that students tend to forget what they hear but always remember what they see and hear at the same time. By displaying my simulation, students will be able to see virtually, hear, and understand it better. This will also help the students to remember better.

 

Video( simulation)

To create this simulation on PowerPoint I have used some shapes and lines to create the sun, plant, water, air and the scenery. I added motion path to create moving images of winds, to make sun appear, to create actions of water poured on the soil and make the plant appear as if it is growing. I also used some appearing, fading and disappearing features to make my animation transitions smooth.

Instructions

The above simulation is a visual representation of 'photosynthesis' and will be used to teach the main content and at the same time used to follow up the lesson. The simulation will be brought to class and let children watch instead of teaching verbally. The first part of the video contains the content explanation followed by an activity where children need to sum up the importance of water, air and sunlight. As one can see in the simulation as to how sunlight, water and air contribute to the growth of the plants, students will be able to witness it visually and understand it in first hand. The entire idea of simulation is to captivate the attention of the students, make them understand about the process and also to teach them how to make use of technologies such as ICT and animations. Using simulation helps the students understand better on one hand and on the other hand, it encourages students to be creative and innovative.

 

1st Month blog

  Our body parts (English Class I)

Using ICT tools have become convenient and effective for all teachers, students and also for parents. For this benefits and advantages we are taught how to integrate ICT in our teaching and assigned to create a learning activity, integrating ICT for lower primary. For the first blog I have chosen to create learning activities for class I English integrating PPT and Google classroom to teach young children about the human body parts.

I have created a worksheet on power point to enhance student’s knowledge retention about the human body parts and a test on Google classroom to check how much they have understood. These two materials will help children experience learning through a different medium other than books and chalkboards. I have also tried to get interest of all young children and took consideration of all their different learning styles (visual learners, auditory learners, etc…) 

To create my first simple but effective ICT integrated material I have used Microsoft power point. On the power point I have used texts to indicate the topics and names of different body parts. A sample example of how to carry out the activity will also be provided with voice over and picture. I have placed a blank space for children to write/type down the names of body part and then draw the parts using the shapes available on the PowerPoint. There are voice overs provided as instructions for children instructing on what to do.

Second material I created is also a simple one, where I created a class room in Google classroom. After creating a class I used the assignment option under Google classroom to create a test sheet for my children.

                                                          Activity sample video

Video

Instructions

The first material will be used to teach the main content which will help children understand the content batter through audio, visual and hands on practice learning. With this material children can recollect the content they are taught since they will be listening to the names of different body parts, drawing the body parts and at the same time writing down their spellings. For children to be able to use the first material requires children to be in a computer lab with computers accessible to all children. Before starting the lesson activity the prepared materials should be shared on all the computers your children are using.

To complete this activity, children will open the materials on PPT and work individually. There will be typed and verbal instruction on the power point along with space to type the name and create or draw the body parts they hear on the voice. Children will listen to the instructions and body parts from the voices inserted then draw the body part they hear and write down the name below the picture. They will continue same process for all the voices inserted.

After completing the first activity I will use the second material (Test on Google classroom) to follow up the lesson and to check students understanding. To use the material all children need to join the Google classroom which should be done before hand. Help children to find the link for the text and children will solve the text provide online which will be scored. This material can also be used as homework since Google classroom is assessable at home as well.

Link for the test is provided below

https://classroom.google.com/c/MzExNjE2MjcwOTQ1/a/MzExNjE2MjcxMDEy/details

INTRODUCTION

Hi, I am Passang Dolma currently a final year trainee at Paro college of Education. I am from Samdrup Jongkhar, a remote place where I have never been to since I was brought to Thimphu so that I could could complete my studies. I have been raised by my foster parents in Thimphu and has helped me complete 13 years of schooling and 3 and a half years of my college years. 

I have been frequently asked about my interests and hobbies but I realized that I never really had a fixed interest or hobby. I have tried singing, dancing and playing sports under compulsion which I am not good at but had fun trying out. I had an episode where I enjoyed reading and writing stories, an episode where I was interested in art, painting and sketching. Currently I am experiencing an episode where I am mostly lazing around.

To sum up I am a lazy person by nature but when I am interested in something I give my hundred percent. I am a passive person and avoid any kind of drama. I am also an indoor person who loves spending time inside watching movies. I am a good person by nature unless people around see me other wise. :P